30+ Summer Dinner Ideas | Little Luna
30+ Summer Dinner Ideas | Little Luna
This collection of summer dinner recipes includes all the best grilled vegetables, sandwiches, and fresh salads that are so delightful on a warm summer day.
More Favorites: Summer Crock Pot Recipes, Summer Drink Recipes, Summer Dessert Recipes, Summer Salads
Best Summer Dinner Recipes
Do you think you are busier or busier in the summer? In general, I feel less busy because school is over and the kids’ sports and activities aren’t very timely. Although, I would say we spend more time playing, doing day trips, and being with people!
This is one of the things I love about summer – a little extra time to plan meals, especially our favorite summer dinner recipes. We make lots of grilled meats and fresh salads, and sometimes if we’re in the mood for a picnic, we make sandwiches and wraps.
Here’s a collection of some of our most popular dinner recipes to make in the summer!
Summer Dinner Tips
Some recipes are worth turning on the oven, but most of the summer cooking requires using the grill and my crock pot. Here are some quick tips when using it.
Baked:
- Avoid putting cold food on the grill. Allow food to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Do not overturn the food. Wait a moment if the meat sticks to the grill. It will release when it is ready to flip.
- Do not squeeze or flatten the meat
- Use a meat thermometer
- Chicken internal temperature 165°F
- Pork internal temperature 145°F
- Beef: Rare 125°F, Medium 145°F, Well done 160°F
- Cook in the oven for about 15 minutes before grilling to avoid burning thicker cuts of meat.
- Always let the meat sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking.
Cylinder:
- Inexpensive cuts of meat are often rich in fat and connective tissue, which results in moist and tender meat.
- Never use frozen meat in crock pots.
- Close the lid! Every time you open the lid, heat escapes, slowing down the cooking process. It will take 20-30 minutes for the pan to return to the correct temperature.
- Use a crock liner for easy cleanup, or coat the inside with cooking spray.
- On many pots, the high temperature is 280°F and the low temperature is 170°F. Cooking at high heat for 1 hour is about the same as cooking at low temperature for 2 hours.
Keep food warm outdoors:
- Keep warm food in insulated carriers
- use hot pot
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil
- If you have an outlet, use a crock
- Do not let food sit for more than 2 hours
classic main course
classic main course
From classic summer hot dogs to Kalua pork, these summer recipes won’t disappoint. the best? They are all easy!
Main Dish Easy Steak Marinade Recipe
This is our favorite steak marinade! It only takes four ingredients and makes our steak taste so amazing! Everyone always asks for this easy steak marinade recipe because it’s just so good! !
Total time: 5 minutes
Check out this recipe for how to cook a hot dog in a crock pot
The easiest way to make hot dogs for a crowd! Cook hot dogs in a crock pot for all your summer potluck needs.
Total time: 2 hours 2 minutes
Check out this recipe for Entree Ranch Burger Recipe
These ranch burgers are the best homemade burgers! ! This easy burger recipe is served with the most delicious secret sauce and goes perfectly with ranch burgers!
Total time: 20 minutes
Check out this recipe for Main Dish Crock Pot Pork Roast Recipe
Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by this ultra-tender, off-the-bone crock roast pork. Made with just a handful of ingredients, including free gravy.
Total time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Check out this recipe for Main Dish Kalua Pork Recipe
This Slow Cooker Kaluua Pork is a Hawaiian favorite and can be easily made in a slow cooker with just a few ingredients. Eat it on its own, or in a taco or slider.
Total time: 9 hours 5 minutes
Check out this recipe for Main Dish Zucchini Boats Recipe
Stuffed zucchini boats filled with Italian sausage and tomatoes. They are a delicious healthy dinner idea.
Total time: 35 minutes
Check out this recipe for Entree Dr. Pepper Ribs Recipe
Ribs cooked with Dr. Pepper, grilled to perfection, and coated with BBQ sauce. These Dr Pepper Ribs are delicious falling off the bone!
Total time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Check out this recipe for Main Dish Pulled Pork Recipe
This delicious Easy Pulled Pork recipe is made in the slow cooker and ready in minutes. Use pork in any recipe, including pulled pork sandwiches, and you’ll love how easy and delicious it is.
Total time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Check out this recipe for Main Dish Hawaiian Haystacks Recipe
A pile of fluffy rice topped with chicken, gravy and all your favorite toppings! Fully customizable, perfect for feeding a crowd!
Total time: 35 minutes
Check out this recipe for Main Dish Crock Pot Brisket Recipe
Juicy and delicious meat that’s easy to make in the slow cooker! This crock pot brisket is so tender it just crumbles.
Total time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Check out this recipe for Main Dish Homemade Corn Dog Recipe
Handmade Corn Dog Dip Recipe – Copycat Disneyland’s! Hot dogs dipped in honey corn batter and fried until crispy! ! so good! !
Total time: 17 minutes
Check out this recipe for Entree Taco Casserole
This delicious taco casserole is like a taco salad in casserole form! Based on ground beef and crackers, and topped with layers of sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and olives, this casserole is the perfect way to change up your dinner routine.
Total time: 40 minutes
Check out this recipe for Main Dish Pork Tacos Recipe
Pork Tacos are made easy using slow cooker pork and all your favorite taco toppings! These tacos are delicious, easy to make, and a hit.
Total time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Check out this recipe for Entree Pizza Casserole
A quick, easy and delicious dinner idea the whole family will love. Ready in 5 minutes, done in 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe for Entree BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
With BBQ sauce, mozzarella, chicken, bacon, and cilantro, this BBQ Chicken Pizza will be a new family favorite. Best of all, it’s done in less than 20 minutes!
Total time: 20 minutes
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Chicken dishes
Summer Chicken Recipes
Grilled, slow-cooked or grilled chicken dishes have always been a family favorite for a delicious summer dinner.
Main Dish Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
This Grilled Chicken Huli Huli is the juiciest and tastiest Hawaiian chicken you’ll ever try! Great on its own or with rice or noodles! !
Total time: 21 minutes
Check out this recipe for Main Course Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipe
This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwich with juicy grilled pineapple, red onion and crisp lettuce is perfect for summer entertaining!
Total time: 25 minutes
Check out this recipe for Entree Mustard Chicken and Pineapple Skewers Recipe
Sweet or spicy mustard chicken and pineapple skewers are tender and juicy. They’re an easy and delicious recipe that’s perfect for your next BBQ!
Total time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Entree Lemon Chicken with Vegetables Recipe
Roasted Lemon Chicken with veggies including green beans and red potatoes. One of the easiest and most delicious dinner recipes!
Total time: 1 hour 8 minutes
Check out this recipe for Main Dish Chicken Fingers Recipe
A healthy way to eat chicken that kids absolutely love – grilled chicken fingers! Chicken is dipped in flour, eggs, and panko, then baked to crispy perfection! Not to mention they are so easy to make!
Total time: 35 minutes
Check out this recipe for Entree Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe
Delicious and tender Lemon Pepper Chicken is easy and requires just a few ingredients. Serve alone or with rice, this butter chicken dish is perfect for an easy, quick dinner any night of the week.
Total time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe for Main Course Chicken Sovlaki Recipe
Chicken Souvlaki is a delicious kebab with Greek flavors. Delicious with marinated chicken, onions and peppers.
Total time: 41 minutes
Check out this recipe for Main Dish Chicken Marinade Recipe
This easy chicken marinade is the best way to marinate chicken breasts before grilling or cooking. It makes the meat juicy, soft and very tasty!
Total time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Check out this recipe for Main Dish Teriyaki Chicken Burgers Recipe
Marinated Teriyaki Chicken Burgers are quick, easy, and full of sweet, tangy flavor! Grilled pineapple makes these burgers perfect.
Total time: 1 day 20 minutes
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Sandwiches, Sliders and Wraps
Sandwiches, Sliders and Wraps
Sliders, sandwiches, and wraps are all great for a picnic, or just an easy summer dinner at home.
Main Course Ham and Cheese Sliders Recipe
Everyone loves these hot ham and cheese sliders because they’re easy, cheesy and addicting! They don’t take long to make and are perfect for any party – always a delight!
Total time: 30 minutes
Check out this recipe for a main course vegetarian panini recipe
Delicious Vegan Panini – One of our favorite sandwich recipes with cheese, tomatoes, avocado and spinach.
Total time: 11 minutes
Check out this recipe for Entree Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls recipe
Shredded Chicken Rolled with Cream Cheese, Italian Seasoning and Creamy Chicken in a Butter Crescent Dough! These delicious chicken crescent rolls have become a family favorite.
Total time: 34 minutes
Check out this recipe for Entree Chicken Caesar Wraps
Fresh Chicken Caesar Rolls are an easy, delicious variation on a Caesar salad. Great for lunch or a picnic.
Total time: 5 minutes
Check out this recipe for Entree Greek Chicken Taco recipe
Easy Greek Chicken Tacos are a quick and easy lunch that makes them a great lunch and lunch on busy days!
Total time: 5 minutes
Appetizer Monte Cristo Sliders Recipe
Sweet and savory Monte Cristo sliders are the ultimate party food! ! Just like their name, but as an appetizer.
Total time: 40 minutes
Check out this recipe for a main dish, side dish and egg salad recipe
Egg salad is classic, easy, and requires only a handful of ingredients! Serve as a side dish, or make egg salad sandwiches. Either way, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd!
Check out this recipe for Main Dish Sloppy Joss Recipe
Delicious Homemade Sloppy Joes are a delicious meat sandwich. They’re quick and easy and perfect for feeding a group!
Total time: 30 minutes
Check out this recipe for Appetizing Chicken Parmesan Sliders Recipe
Marinated and grilled chicken breasts, melted cheese, marinara sauce, and lettuce are all sandwiched between ciabatta. These Chicken Parmesan Sliders are the perfect appetizer, but can also serve as a main course!
Total time: 15 minutes
Check out this recipe for Appetizing Buffalo Chicken Sliders Recipe
Simple + Savory Buffalo Chicken Sliders have just the right amount of heat. They’re perfect for dinner or as an appetizer!
Total time: 35 minutes
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